How to make a space helmet

Written by alex smith

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Every astronaut needs a helmet. (Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images)

An astronaut depends on a space helmet for protection in space. No astronaut costume is complete without one. You can make your own space helmet out of paper mache, which is an art form using strips of paper soaked with paste to create forms. Do this project with your kids so they can be a part of creating a Halloween costume. You likely have almost everything you will need at home.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

Balloon

Paper bucket

Scissors

Tape

Newspaper

Flour

Water

Salt

Mixing bowl and spoon

Razor blade (optional)

White primer

Silver or white paint

Art materials

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Instructions

1

Blow up a balloon until it is slightly larger than your head.

2

Cut the top 3 inches off of a paper bucket that is large enough to fit over your head. A clean bucket from a fried chicken restaurant or popcorn bucket from a cinema works well.

3

Set the top of the bucket on a work surface with the rounded ring facing down.

4

Place the balloon onto the bucket portion and tape them together, creating a form for the helmet. The balloon represents the helmet, while the bucket portion is the neck guard.

5

Tear five sheets of newspaper into thin strips.

6

Combine equal parts of flour and water in a mixing bowl to make paper mache paste. Mix in 1 tbsp salt to prevent mould.

7

Dip strips of newspaper into the paste, then squeeze off the excess and smooth them on the form. Cover the entire form, overlapping the strips slightly to ensure that there are no holes.

8

Apply four more layers of paper mache to the entire form.

9

Allow the paper mache to dry. This could take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the climate in which you live.

10

Pop the balloon and remove it from the helmet through the open neck guard.

11

Cut a hole in the helmet for your face, using a razor blade or sharp pair of scissors.

12

Spray the helmet with two coats of white primer, allowing each coat to dry fully.

13

Spray the helmet with silver or white spray paint.

14

Decorate the helmet as desired. You can use stickers, markers, glitter or any other art materials.